Fatty Acid Synthesis Overview

What is the primary function of carnitine in energy metabolism?

Which of the following is NOT a common consequence of carnitine deficiency?

How are ketone bodies formed when glucose levels are low?

Which hormone primarily promotes lipogenesis?

What is the main reason ketone bodies are not utilized by the liver?

What is the total number of NADPH + H molecules required for the synthesis of a 16-carbon saturated fatty acid?

How many cycles are necessary to synthesize palmitic acid from acetyl-CoA?

What role does acyl-CoA dehydrogenase play in fatty acid metabolism?

Which compound directly donates electrons to electron-transferring flavoproteins (ETFs) in the electron transport chain?

What happens during the chain initiation phase of fatty acid synthesis?

In the process of chain elongation for fatty acid synthesis, how many carbon units are added at each cycle?

What is the main product of the synthesis of a 16-carbon fatty acid?

Which enzyme plays a crucial role in the beta-oxidation of fatty acids?

Fatty Acid Synthesis

To synthesize a 16-carbon saturated fatty acid, cells require 8 NADPH + H molecules.
1 NADPH + H is required for chain initiation, where acetyl-CoA combines with malonyl-CoA to form a 4-carbon intermediate.
7 NADPH + H are required for chain elongation, where the 4-carbon intermediate undergoes multiple cycles of adding two carbons to the chain.
Each elongation cycle requires 1 NADPH + H for two reduction steps.

Palmitic Acid Synthesis

Palmitic acid is a 16-carbon saturated fatty acid.
Cells require 8 cycles of fatty acid synthesis to produce palmitic acid.
Each cycle adds a two-carbon unit to the growing fatty acid chain.

Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase

Acyl-CoA dehydrogenase is a key enzyme in the beta-oxidation pathway, which breaks down fatty acids.
It removes hydrogen atoms from the fatty acid molecule and transfers them to a FAD cofactor.
Reduced FAD then donates its electrons to electron-transferring flavoproteins (ETFs), which in turn pass these electrons to the electron transport chain.

Carnitine

Carnitine is a vital molecule that helps transport fatty acids into mitochondria for energy production.
Carnitine deficiency can lead to muscle weakness, fatigue, and hypoglycemia.
Carnitine deficiency can be caused by genetic factors, dietary issues, or underlying medical conditions.

Ketone Bodies

Ketone bodies are produced by the liver when glucose levels are low.
They are formed from fatty acids and serve as an alternative fuel source for tissues like the brain and heart.
The liver prioritizes exporting ketone bodies rather than using them for its own energy needs.

Lipogenesis

Lipogenesis is the process of making fat.
Insulin encourages fat storage.
Glucagon, cortisol, and growth hormone can influence fat production under certain conditions.
Glucagon prevents lipogenesis and promotes lipolysis, the breakdown of stored triglycerides.

This quiz covers the essential concepts of fatty acid synthesis, focusing on the specifics of palmitic acid production and the role of NADPH in the process. Additionally, it touches upon the function of acyl-CoA dehydrogenase in the beta-oxidation pathway. Test your knowledge on these biochemical pathways!